As Naoto, Emma, and Fie wandered into Parm, the Spinning Town, relatively unnoticed, some progress could be seen elsewhere, back toward Liberl. To be specific, inside Amberl Tower toward the south of Bose.
Two figures could now be seen standing inside the amber-colored tower. They both had amused looks in their eyes, because they were currently hearing loud, blaring sirens from further within. The beeping was constant. The beeping didn't end, and the two soon heard a mechanical voice speak to them.
"Beep. Beep. Beep. Unauthorized entry has been detected. Threat level: High. Now initiating recognition scan...", A mechanical voice spoke out all around the room the two figures were now in. Of course, the two were Renne and Loewe. They had already made some progress inside Amberl Tower, but were unexpectedly greeted by something foreign. It wasn't a Monster. On top of being mechanical, the voice sounded ancient.
"Huh?", Renne asked, not expecting to hear this voice reach out to them. Turning behind her, she even saw the entrance had been sealed off with an amber-colored barrier. Before Renne could even react, the room the two were in suddenly became pixelated, much to a certain ability Naoto has when an Instance Dungeon was formed. But this was no Instance Dungeon. It swept throughout the floor in but a mere instant, which begged the question if Renne and Loewe even saw what happened just now.
"Now this isn't what I was expecting. Did we trigger the response mechanism? Shouldn't it not be active?", Loewe mused, keeping a hand resting on his sword.
"There shouldn't be anyone else here right now besides us. Looks like it just finished a scan. Guess it determined our existence was enough of a threat and it went into defensive mode. How interesting.", Renne responded, becoming more interested. Sadly, she couldn't even finish her thoughts before the voice spoke again.
"No recognition match has been found. Raising Threat Level to max. Now entering, extermination mode. Room sealing mechanism has been activated. All exits are now blocked off.", The voice spoke. In response to that, Renne saw the amber-colored barrier behind them grow even thicker. They were now trapped inside the Amberl Tower.
"How interesting. An autonomous defense mechanism left behind the Ancient Zemurians. They really don't want us to find this so-called Floating City now, do they? It's just as the Professor stated, heehee.", Renne giggled. She gripped the domineering-looking scythe in her hand. It was even bigger than she was, and yet, she was carrying it around with ease!
"We've definitely come to the right place, then. I did not think a trial would be waiting for us.", Loewe said, ready to strike at a moment's notice. "If one tower is now activated, then I can only assume the other three Enforcers will have a trial waiting for them as well. It read our strength, and determined on the spot that we are invading it. Since the barrier is in effect, I might be able to go all out."
"Oooh. Now that isn't something I've seen in a good while! Let us enjoy this tea party to our heart's content. They even sent us an advanced notice. How kind of them!", Renne happily replied, grinning from ear to ear. As if reacting to Renne's words, a few Monsters began to materialize before them, which drew their attention once again. No, they didn't come from further within the Amberl Tower. They spawned right then and there, just like how a Cryptid would. It was then Renne felt a change in the air, similar to how Tio can sense subtle changes around her.
"Is something the matter, Renne?", Loewe decided to ask.
"Yeah. The Three Higher Elements are now at play. These stupid drones Leveled Up.", Renne explained.
"Leveled Up?", Loewe asked, raising his eyebrows at Renne.
"Teehee, oh I'm just using a little word play. You might get more familiar with that term if you hang out around Naoto more~", Renne replied, grinning again.
"Do you truly intend to live inside the castle later on?", Loewe decided to ask.
"I'm not sure. We'll see where my path lies. It is too far ahead that I can't make a decision right now. Besides, Quatre went along his way, and is now on his own path. He's living in Calvard now. Likewise, Tio, Sherryl, and Ennea have found where they belong too. We'll see how this plays out." Renne said, and shrugged her shoulders. "For now, we got some Monsters to kill.", Renne continued, and pointed her scythe at the drone-looking Monsters now in front of them. There were many, all displaying colors of the Three Higher Elements. Black, Gold, and Silver.
"Very well. We'll put this matter aside for now. Let us see if we can reach the top.", Loewe declared. "Engage!"
Just like that, the two entered combat!
As Renne and Loewe became busy inside the Amberl Tower, back toward southern Erebonia, a different scene could be seen taking place. Fie, Emma and I successfully headed inside Parm, posing as noble students from Thors Military Academy. As we passed the gates, we couldn't help but spot a couple soldiers of the Imperial Army. One of them spoke out to us.
"Are you three travelling students by chance?", The soldier asked.
"Yeah. We're currently en route to Saint-Arkh, but decided to stop by Parm for a little bit of rest. It isn't often this place is greeted by soldiers of the Imperial Army. Is something going on?", I said, remaining calm. Emma and Fie remained quiet seeing me start exchanging words with the nearby soldier, acting as if this was normal. In a way, it was. I had gotten used to speaking to soldiers of the Royal Army back home in Liberl. To me, this is just any other day. As for Celine and Tamamo, they remained in the outskirts of the town, hiding away from sight. They knew what to do so I didn't have to watch over them. I know I haven't talked about AI KeA much either, she's out on her own, gathering data on our surroundings. Perhaps once I get a chance to, I'll introduce her to Emma and Fie.
"Just a routine check, I can assure you.", The soldier answered. "No reason to be alarmed. But if you want to stick around for a bit, you'll soon be able to see Captain Vander. He's heading out of Parm as we speak."
"Captain Vander, eh? Now it makes sense as to why you're patrolling the entrance here.", I mused, not expecting to hear that. I then looked back at Emma and Fie. "You two don't mind waiting for a little bit, do you? You see, Captain Vander just so happens to be the acquaintance of mine that I was referring to earlier."
It was then the soldier reacted, becoming surprised to hear me say that.
"You're an acquaintance of Captain Vander? We were not informed of this.", The soldier responded.
"Haha.", I said. "This is purely happenstance. You needn't be alarmed by my arrival. We're simply stopping here before we go on our way.", I continued, telling a little white lie. On the contrary, we were looking to see if I can join the Vander School here in Parm. I didn't think we'd get this lucky to see members of the Vander family themselves arrive!
Emma and Fie glanced at each other before they nodded in agreement. We all decided to head off to the side of the gate with the couple of soldiers, letting the ongoing commotion die down. Time began to pass. Before we knew it, we all heard the sound of an orbal car approaching from inside the town. One of its windows was open. We saw a pretty, silver-white haired boy seated inside. My interest grew after seeing this boy. He seemed to be a couple years younger than I was.
'Isn't this guy Kurt Vander, the younger brother of the Vander siblings?', I thought, observing the boy in silence.
"Is this the acquaintance you were referring to, Naoto?", Emma decided to ask, as she had never seen this boy before.
"Nah. Didn't think I'd see this boy today, but he should be the younger brother of who I am acquainted with. Considering the Imperial soldier referred to Captain Vander, both siblings are likely in this orbal car. Interesting.", I explained, keeping my voice low.
"Captain Vander?", Fie asked. "Is he strong?"
"Insanely.", I answered. "He's the right-hand man of Erebonia's Crown Prince. He's his direct bodyguard, and often trains others in the Vander School. Captain Vander is definitely not one to be underestimated."
"Sweet.", Fie said. "I'd love to have a round against this guy, if he's anything you say he is."
"Is fighting really all you care about, Fie?", Emma uttered, and sighed.
"What's wrong with that?", Fie shot back.
"Well, as the saying goes, you only live once. If you like fighting, then what's the harm?", I asked, smiling. "Just don't get carried away okay?"
"I know when not to overstep my bounds.", Fie responded with a nod.
"If you understand that much, I suppose there's no harm to that...", Emma uttered, and turned silent again. I caught it out of the corner of my eye, but Emma was still acting fidgety. Guess she really isn't used to a noble's school uniform, haha!
Keeping that joke to myself, I felt some staring eyes. I turned around, and sure enough, Kurt's gaze met mine. It was only brief, but he was surprised to see the three of us wearing student uniforms of Thors Military Academy, standing beside the entrance. It was then the driver rolled his window down. Lo and behold, I saw Mueller Vander in the driver's seat. I hadn't seen this guy since I parted ways from Prince Olivert from way back. Thankfully, thanks to Kloe's professionally-trained white falcon, Sieg, I haven't been kept in the dark regarding Crown Prince Olivert. We've been able to stay in touch thanks to this.
I additionally received word that Crown Prince Olivert recently graduated from Thors Military Academy. Before long, he'll soon be sitting on its board of directors, together with Irina Reinford, Governor Regnitz, and Lord Rufus Albarea! There's still a few more years before that happens, though. Rean's Class VII eventually learns who the board of directors are during this. It was as if time had come to a standstill during this moment.
From Mueller's point of view, he spotted three students appearing to be from Thors Military Academy. 'Thors' students---?', Mueller thought, before his eyes soon fell upon my figure.
Seeing Mueller's eyes now locked onto me, my lips curved upward into a smile. A smile that a certain Erebonian Crown Prince likes to use whenever he teases this man. Two peas in a pod, as one would say.
"Please tell me this is some kind of sick joke.", Mueller asked, now looking at me.
"Hahaha.", I laughed. "How have you been, Mueller my boy? It sure has been a while, hasn't it~?"
Thanks to that, Mueller frantically placed one of his feet downward, making the orbal car come to a screeching halt. Everyone around us heard the loud noise.
"Brother?", Kurt's voice asked from within the orbal car. He became surprised, seeing Mueller's sudden anger. Mueller didn't immediately respond and instead, actually stepped out of the orbal car, approaching the three of us. I could see anger in his eyes, clear as day.
"What in Aidios's name are you doing here in Parm, Your Excellency?", Mueller asked, trying to keep his voice calm, yet firm. It was then shock appeared in the onlookers' eyes, taking another glance at our current appearance. Even the couple of soldiers became stunned.
Let's see where this goes, shall we?